Understand the components of the alternator and learn to identify counterfeit parts

In today's society, an alternator diesel generator is an important tool for generating electricity, and it may be responsible for providing power to the businesses and organizations that thousands of people depend on. Not all alternator parts are the same, and by understanding the components that make up a typical alternator, you can avoid being duped by counterfeit alternator parts.

 

In today's society, alternating current diesel generators are an important tool for generating electricity and may be responsible for providing power to the businesses and organizations that thousands of people depend on. Not all alternator parts are the same, and by understanding the components that make up a typical alternator, you can avoid being duped by counterfeit alternator parts. In addition, learn how manufacturers work to prevent counterfeit parts to ensure you get genuine replacement parts.

 

What are the components of a typical alternator diesel generator?

 

An alternator is the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical current. The main components of an alternator are the rotor (or armature) and the stator, which is a stationary part containing a set of conductive coils. When the rotor moves, it creates a constantly rotating electromagnetic field around the stator, which generates voltage.

 

The power generation system can be rotating, as described above, or it can be static. A typical static power generation system that uses a chemical reaction to generate electricity is a solar system. An example of a rotating electromechanical machine is a typical diesel or gasoline powered generator set. Rotating systems can be of two types: alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

 

To generate electricity, either AC or DC, three things are essential: the wire, the magnetic field, and the relative motion between the wire and the magnetic field. At least two poles of magnetization are required to generate a magnetic field: a north pole and a south pole.

 

Alternator Diesel Generator Parts

 

This is an overview of the internal components of a typical alternator diesel generator, showing how the wires, the magnetic field and the relative motion work together to produce electricity.

 

Rotor Assembly

 

Powering an alternator diesel generator is the rotor assembly. At the heart of the rotor assembly is an iron core with wires called excitation windings wrapped around it.

 

As the rotor rotates, these wires create a magnetic or excitation field that induces an output current in the armature winding. Armature windings are groups of coils wound around the inner circumference of the stator.

 

Stator

 

The stator surrounds the rotor and consists of coils surrounding the iron case. Finger-like poles with alternating north-south charges are placed around the core and excitation windings to produce a magnetic field that induces voltage into the stator.

 

Input shaft

 

The central shaft of the rotor, called the input shaft, is connected to the prime mover, such as a water turbine, engine, etc. It provides rotational energy, which is then converted into electrical energy by the alternator diesel generator.

 

Exciter

 

The exciter supplies power to the magnetic field by transmitting excitation current or by using magnetic induction to power the magnetic field windings. The exciter uses a commutator to convert the generated AC power to DC power.

 

Voltage Regulator

 

The voltage regulator, as the name implies, regulates the voltage produced by the alternator and regulates the excitation flow to the exciter and rotor. This increases or decreases the strength of the magnetic field and corrects the voltage output to prevent overload or charging problems.

 

Manufacturers invest money, research and technology to produce high quality alternators that will operate efficiently for long periods of time and withstand the most demanding conditions. After purchasing a quality alternator, you will want to protect its integrity by purchasing only genuine replacement parts.

 

How to prevent counterfeit parts

 

When it comes time for new alternator parts, beware of counterfeit products, which pose a real threat to user safety and the reputation of legitimate manufacturers and wholesalers. Counterfeit parts are not manufactured under the strict safety and testing specifications followed by legitimate companies. These parts have been found to have cracks in the fan casting, inadequate stator impregnation, dangerous foot arrangement, general mechanical failure and loose wiring.

 

Don't let the price take you in, either. You may find counterfeit parts that don't cost as much as the genuine article, but be extra careful. You may save money in the short run, but in the long run, inferior fakes may cost you more in damages and time.